Meet the Leadership: Jessica Breslin, ICAN of Northern Duchess

“ICAN is not attempting to make women feel victimized by their birth experience. Instead, the organization offers resources to women who may be having a difficult time with the physical and/or emotional aspects of recovery.” – Jessica Breslin, ICAN of Northern Dutchess

How did you find out about ICAN?

I found out about ICAN while searching for resources after my cesarean. I found the ICAN website to be very accessible and easily found information relevant to my situation. It was great to find an organization that was actively talking about the prevalence of cesareans and the importance of VBAC!

Please share a little about yourself.

I have a degree in science from the local community college and have also worked there for the past 18 months as a lab technician. I am a long time resident of the Hudson Valley, growing up in Westchester, then moving to Poughkeepsie, and eventually coming to Columbia county in 2012. I have two children, Malcolm (2) and Naomi (6 months). My son was born via cesarean, and my daughter was a planned hospital VBAC that turned into an unassisted home birth. Aside from being an ICAN official, I hope to continue my science education and become a postpartum doula for moms in our community.

What areas does your chapter serve?

We serve the Hudson Valley region of New York (including the counties of Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, and Greene) and the neighboring areas of MA and CT.

What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about cesarean/VBAC awareness?

I strongly believe in the possibility of having a healthy mom, a healthy baby, and a positive birth experience. Whether a woman pursues VBAC or plans a cesarean, she should be respected and supported. Too often women are told to have no expectations for birth, and that they should be happy so long as the baby is healthy. In my opinion, the bar should be set higher than mom and baby both surviving.

What is the best thing about the birth climate in your area?

There are several hospitals that offer VBAC and multiple home birth midwives in the area. We also have a continually growing doula community and some great resources for expecting moms like prenatal yoga, chiropractic care, and acupuncture!

When will your next chapter meeting be?

Our next meeting will be at Waddle n Swaddle in Rhinebeck NY, Saturday September 15th at 3pm.

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About ICAN

The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by reducing preventable cesareans through education, supporting cesarean recovery, and advocating for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).